Relevant Policies

Human Remains and Culturally Sensitive Information

The theme "Death" inevitably touches upon the issue of human remains and other culturally sensitive materials. Therefore it is important to have a knowledge of the existing policies for such issue within the museum professional field. Below are some relevant policies, including an international code issued by the International Council of Museums, and national/local policies for UK and Australia, which is relevant to the Indigenous Burial Post/Hollw Log in the collection. 

The International Council of Museums: ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, 2013

2.5 Culturally Sensitive Material
Collections of human remains and material of sacred significance should be acquired only if they can be housed securely and cared for respectfully. This must be accomplished in a manner consistent with professional standards and the interests and beliefs of members of the community, ethnic or religious groups from which the objects originated, where these are known. 

3.7 Human Remains and Materials of Sacred Significance
Research on human remains and materials of sacred significance must be accomplished in a manner consistent with professional standards and take into account the interests and beliefs of the community, ethnic or religious groups from whom the objects originated, where these are known. 

4.3 Exhibition of Sensitive Materials
Human remains and materials of sacred significance must be displayed in a manner consistent with professional standards and, where known, taking into account the interests and beliefs of members of the community, ethnic or religious groups from whom the objects originated. They must be presented with great tact and respect for the feelings of human dignity held by all peoples.

United Kingdom:

Code of Ethics for Museums: Ethical Principles for All Who Work for or Govern Museums in the UK, Museums Association, 2002

3.14 Assist everyone who makes a reasonable request for information. Give public access to all documentation and other information held by a museum, unless the information was imparted in confidence, or it can be shown that the wider public interest demands that access be restricted (for example to protect collections or prevent abuse of sites of historic or scientific importance).

3.15 Consider restricting access to certain specified items where unrestricted access may cause offence or distress to actual or cultural descendants. Provide separate storage facilities where appropriate.

7.5 Respect the interests of originating communities with regard to elements of their cultural heritage present or represented in the museum. Involve originating communities, wherever practical, in decisions about how the museum stores, researches, presents or otherwise uses collections and information about them.

7.6 Consider restricting access to certain specified items, particularly those of ceremonial or religious importance, where unrestricted access may cause offence or distress to actual or cultural descendants.  

Acquisition: Guidance on the ethics and practicalities of acquisition, Ethical guidelines: Advice from the Museums Association Ethics Committee, 2004

6.4 Human Remains

6.4.1 It is not possible to obtain legal title to human remains (an exception to this may apply if human skill has been applied to the remains). The usual principles that apply to acquisition do not all apply to human remains. It is preferable to formulate a museum’s holding of human remains in terms of rights and responsibilities rather than ownership.

6.4.2 It is normally unacceptable to purchase human remains.

6.4.3 Make checks to ensure that human remains being considered by the museum are properly authorised. This is a complex area of law; take specialist advice. Be aware that human remains obtained as part of an archaeological excavation may require reburial as a condition of the permission that was given for the exhumation.

6.4.4 Consider acquiring human remains only if the museum has the expertise to do so and adheres to a published policy.

Further Information:

  • Museum Registration Standard, Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, 2004
  • Standards in the Museum Care of Collections, vols 1–5, Museums and Galleries Commission, 1992–95
  • Benchmarks in Collection Care for Museums, Archives and Libraries: A Self-Assessment Checklist, Resource, now Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, 2002
  • The Report of the Working Group on Human Remains, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2003
  • Guidelines on Human Remains, English Heritage and the Church of England, 2004
  • Human Tissue Act 2004
  • Code of Practice, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), 2005

Australia: 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Secret/Sacred and Private Material Policy, National Museum of Australia, 2011

4.5 Display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secret/sacred and private materials
The Museum shall not place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secret/sacred and private materials in any display or make available secret/sacred and private materials for display by another organisation unless authorised by the relevant community/custodians.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Human Remains Policy, National Museum of Australia, 2011

4.3 Access to collections
Access to the human remains keeping place must be approved by the Head, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, or by the person fulfilling the functions of that office. Upon request, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or their appointees who have written community/custodian authority, may have access to human remains that appear to come from that community’s area of responsibility and any associated documentation.

4.5 Display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human remains
The Museum shall not place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander human remains in any display or make available human remains for display by another organisation unless authorised by the relevant community/custodians.

Relevant Policies